‘Ain’t Nothin’ To It‘ may be Cody Johnson’s first studio album released, but the Texas native has proven himself a force to be reckoned with. Previously gaining much success as an independent artist, this album continued the trend hitting Number One on the Billboard Country Albums chart. The fifteen song album delivers a 90’s inspired traditional country sound that can stand up today. Cody presents a wide range of songs ranging from sexy to gospel and includes two live bonus tracks. Enlisting prominent songwriters including Chris Stapleton and John Osborne, the ex-rodeo pro turned prison guard delivers with authenticity, singing songs that suit his life journey.
1) ‘Ain’t Nothin’ To It’ – Written by David Lee and Leslie Satcher.
Impression: The album’s title track opens the record with traditional country sound and subject matter. Framed as a dad’s advice to his son, the song touches on how to have a lifetime of love and happiness in marriage.
Favorite Lyrics: Crawl up in that bed right next to her and listen, Instead of having all the answers…
2) ‘Noise’ – Written by Gordie Sampson, Jim McCormick, and Radney Foster.
Impression: Life is busy, full of distractions and things that can get you down, so we need coping methods. ‘Noise’ touches upon the way someone you love can be an oasis away from the stress of everyday life.
Favorite Lyrics: You’re my secret shelter when I can’t find peace. The way you touch, the way you whisper, Way you love and how it lingers, You can make it all go away…
3) ‘Fenceposts’ – Written by Benji Davis and Robert Arthur.
Impression: ‘Fenceposts’ takes a snapshot of a special moment in life and makes it a song. A couple looks at a parcel of land as they dream of building a home and starting their life together.
Favorite Lyrics: With that sun shinin’ through that crystal blue, Sure looks good on you…
4) ‘Understand Why’ – Written by Neil Medley and Randy Montana.
Impression: Cody Johnson explains his brokenhearted struggles in ‘Understand Why.’ Looking for an escape in outer space or through substance, Cody longs to move on from his crushed ‘small town dreams.’
Favorite Lyrics: I wish I had a third floor motel room, On the dark side of the moon, Up there with the satellites in the sky…
5) ‘Long Haired Country Boy’ (feat. The Rockin’ Cody Johnson Band) – Written by Charlie Daniels.
Impression: The Cody Johnson Band covers the iconic Charlie Daniels Band for ‘Long Haired Country Boy.’ Cody brings his own style to the cover, while still maintaining its traditional sound and message.
Favorite Lyrics: The drunkard wants another drink of wine, And the politician wants your vote, me, I don’t want much of nothin’ at all…
6) ‘Nothin’ On You’ – Written by Barrett Baber and Trent Wilmon.
Impression: ‘Nothin’ On You’ slows things down for a love song that passionately showcases Cody’s vocal range. Even when compared to a long list of beautiful destinations, Cody feels that he has the best view looking at his baby.
Favorite Lyrics: I wouldn’t trade places, Long as I’m here with you baby, I’ve got a room with a view…
7) ‘Honkey Tonk Mood’ – Written by Al Anderson and Chris Stapleton.
Impression: Song seven brings a high energy rocking country sound just as you’d expect from a song called ‘Honkey Tonk Mood.’ The lyrics, We’re playin’ here tonight, And then I’m playin’ here tomorrow, I got a whiskey and a tune, may be reminiscent of what it felt like playing bars in Texas, where Johnson got his start as an independent artist.
Favorite Lyrics: If I start to dancin’ ’round, Don’t try and pull me off the floor, I’m just a-kickin’ up my boots, I’m in a honky-tonk mood…
8) ‘Monday Morning Merle’ – Written by Bart Butler, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, and Lance Miller.
Impression: Heartache and country music often go together, but ‘Monday Morning Merle’ presents something unique. Giving a nod to many of his musical influences, Cody works toward getting over his broken heart with music each day of the week.
Favorite Lyrics: And the only way that he can get, Through the days and the regret, Is a song full of truth…
9) ‘Y’all People’ – Written by Chase McGill, John Osborne, and Laura Veltz.
Impression: Dedicated to the ‘CoJo Nation’, ‘Y’all People’ is a nod to Cody’s fan base. Mostly derived from his popularity in Texas as an independent artist, it is not surprising that track nine reminds him of his fans.
Favorite Lyrics: If there’s anybody I want out on the road, When I break down, If anybody’s got a string of, Christmas lights that they don’t take down…
10) ‘Where Cowboys Are King’ – Written by Brice Long, Carlton Anderson, and Wynn Varble.
Impression: ‘Ain’t Nothin’ To It‘ is full of songs that sound genuine coming from Cody, and ‘Where Cowboys Are King’ is no different. It is easy to believe that this song describes home in Texas for the ex-rodeo star.
Favorite Lyrics: Spend a little time with some good old friends, Y’all make it so hard to leave…
11) ‘On My Way To You’ – Written by Brett James and Tony Lane.
Impression: In the first single from this album, Cody belts out the familiar theme: it is easy to see that life’s paths were all part of God’s plan in retrospect. He has finally reached his destiny and ended up with the love of his life.
Favorite Lyrics: Every fork in the road, It was all worth the while, When I finally saw your smile, Every highway, every heartbreak, Every mountain, every mile…
12) ‘Doubt Me Now’ – Written by Casey Beathard and Mitch Oglesby.
Impression: A message for Cody’s haters, ‘Doubt Me Now’ begs for their negativity to help fuel Cody’s fire. Cody delivers with a style similar to Luke Combs, who he will be joining for select tour dates this summer.
Favorite Lyrics: ‘People like you got nothin’ better to do, Than throw rocks at things that shine, Well, you oughta be chasin’ your own dreams, ‘Stead of shootin’ holes in mine…
13) ‘Dear Rodeo’ – Written by Cody Johnson and Dan Couch.
Impression: One of the few songs included on this album that Cody had a hand in writing, includes a heartfelt letter addressed to his past passion. Although he may be talking about being a rodeo star, the universality of the lyrics can be applied to almost anything that was loved and lost.
Favorite Lyrics: I’m jaded, Woah, how I hate it, But somehow the highs outweigh the lows, And I’ll do it all again even though we both know, I’d still have to let you go…
14) ‘Husbands and Wives’ – Live Bonus Track – Written by Roger Miller.
Impression: With just one repeated verse and a refrain ‘Husbands and Wives’ may be short, but its lyrics manage to make a big statement. The song originally released by Roger Miller in 1966 is just as relevant today as it was then.
Favorite Lyrics: The angry words spoken in haste, Such a waste of two lives, Oh, it’s my belief pride is the chief cause, In the decline of the number of husbands and wives…
15) ‘His Name Is Jesus’ – Live Bonus Track – Written by Cody Johnson.
Impression: ‘His Name Is Jesus’ completes ‘Ain’t Nothin’ To It‘ as the only song included with Cody Johnson is the sole writer. Cody celebrates his faith in this gospel song.
Favorite Lyrics: Most famous in history, Things he spoke, the whole world still reads…
Cody Johnson currently does not have any New England tour dates scheduled, but you can keep up with him on his Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Website.